Video & Transcript Research : 'subsurface utilities'
Page 127 of 470
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- What expansion of services were utilized with this new funding?
- What expansion of services were utilized with this new funding?
- What expansion of services were utilized with this new funding?
- What expansion of services were utilized with this new funding?
- What expansion of services were utilized with this new funding?
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/10/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Operating costs, like fuel and utilities and legal services.
- them, and we're utilizing health.
- them, and we're utilizing health.
- to utilize them and we're utilizing to utilize them and we're utilizing health<01:19:55.120>
- this because they don't have utilizing this because they don't have those<01:20:15.520>
providers
Summary:
The committee met for a Health and Finance Policy hearing, began with member and staff introductions, and noted that Representative Keeler was participating as a non-voting member. The chair outlined committee rules on decorum and then introduced the day’s first agency presentation from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), with Commissioner Cunningham appearing to present the department’s budget priorities.
Commissioner Cunningham described MDH’s broad public health role and emphasized that public health is underfunded relative to health care, with significant reliance on federal dollars. The department’s main budget request was for infectious disease prevention and response to offset anticipated federal funding losses. MDH also outlined several fee increases tied to public water systems, wells, licensing and certification, assisted living and health care facilities, HMO regulation, food/pools/lodging inspections, radioactive materials, X-ray equipment, and asbestos abatement. The commissioner said these changes were needed because costs, workload, and regulatory complexity have increased, while many fees have not been updated in years.
MDH also presented budget-neutral proposals, including continuing the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee, converting the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force into a standing advisory committee, restoring some local and tribal public health cannabis and substance misuse prevention grants, creating direct American Indian Health Special Emphasis Grants, reauthorizing the State Trauma Advisory Council, and extending firefighter PFAS biomonitoring work. The department also requested an operations adjustment for rising employee, insurance, fuel, utility, and legal costs, and referenced additional Clean Water Legacy Fund proposals. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided. Representative Bierman then offered supportive comments, praising MDH’s work and backing the funding and fee proposals, especially the restoration of local public health prevention grants.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 108 May 2nd, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, the Public Utilities Commission would give them permission.
- Well, the Public Utilities Commission would give them permission.
- Well, the Public Utilities Commission would give them permission.
- Well, the Public Utilities Commission would give them permission.
- Well, the Public Utilities Commission would give them permission.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from April 30, 2026, and then moved through a series of announcements and introductions, including recognition of guests from Aurora Public Schools, remarks about International Workers Day and Law Day, and several social announcements about food events and a Cinco de Mayo potluck. The chamber also heard a brief recess and then proceeded to third reading business.
The first major action was House Joint Resolution 10:30, sponsored by Representatives Gonzalez and Joseph, which designates a portion of Colorado Highway 14 in Weld County as Mono and Matt Road in memory of Eduardo Mono Hernandez and Matthew Garcia, two Greeley Central High School student-athletes killed in a 2014 crash. Sponsors and supporters described the resolution as a permanent tribute to the young men and to the Greeley community. The resolution passed overwhelmingly, 62-0, with three excused.
The House then considered Senate Bill 143, updating the name of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee, and Senate Bill 124, concerning information related to the automated protection order notification system. Both measures passed on third reading, each by a vote of 43-19 with three excused. The chamber also laid over Senate Bill 43 until Monday.
Finally, the House took up House Bill 1421, which would prohibit certain compensation arrangements in the legal profession and create the Colorado Legal Practice Integrity and Fee Sharing Prohibition Act. Supporters argued it would prevent private equity from influencing law firms and protect client-focused legal judgment, while opponents raised concerns about separation of powers, the judiciary’s role in regulating lawyers, and possible effects on rural legal services and consolidation. One member requested and received an excusal from the vote due to a potential conflict. The debate continued as the transcript ended, with no final vote shown for the bill in the excerpt.
CT
Connecticut 2026 Regular Session
Finance Advisory Committee June 4th Meeting Jun 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But we are trying to monitor growth in utilization and also working directly with manufacturers to see
- So this line alone should be utilized. They're pouring out.
- So this line alone should be utilized in a way to help supplement the needs for that population.
- there to that personnel and ask about how much, how many people are we paid for, and are they being utilized
Summary:
The Finance Advisory Committee approved the minutes from its May 14, 2026 meeting and then considered four fiscal transfers. FAC 2026-9 for the Office of the State Controller transferred $4.345 million among fringe benefit accounts in the General Fund and Special Transportation Fund. Members questioned several employee benefit accounts, including active and retiree health care, Social Security, higher education alternative retirement, and OPEB; agency staff explained the transfers were based on updated year-end projections, with some accounts showing surpluses and others needing additional funds. The item was approved, with two no votes noted.
FAC 2026-10 for the Military Department transferred $150,000 from the Honor Guards account to personal services and Governor’s Guard accounts to cover operational needs, and it was approved without opposition. FAC 2026-11 for the Department of Social Services transferred $3.3 million among accounts. Most of the discussion focused on a surplus in the substance use disorder waiver/reinvestment account, lower-than-expected TANF/TFA caseloads, federal family planning backfill requirements, and staffing challenges in eligibility operations. DSS said some funds remained unused because a residential care vendor did not enter into a contract, some reserves were intended for future multi-year investments, and eligibility staff require 12 to 18 months of training; the item was approved.
FAC 2026-12 for the Department of Children and Families transferred $3.05 million among accounts for year-end operational needs. Members asked about closures of day treatment and community-based prevention programs, and DCF said children were transitioned to other providers without service interruption, with closures driven by provider decisions and financial viability. DCF also explained that some prior funding had been used as gap funding and that ongoing support had been built into the budget. The committee approved the transfer and then adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/03/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #8 and #9
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, members, HB 2389 allows a utility to replace an existing power plant with a replacement
- certificate of environmental compatibility from the Power Plant and Line Siting Committee, as long as the utility
- Madam Chair, members, HB 2389 allows a utility to replace an existing power plant with a replacement
- certificate of environmental compatibility from the Power Plant and Line Siting Committee, as long as the utility
Summary:
The meeting was a caucus review of a large slate of House and Senate bills, with staff giving short descriptions and members flagging a few concerns. Topics included veterans’ services and courts, child care grants, midwife medication authority, home- and community-based services funding, EMS reciprocity, prescription monitoring, electronic monitoring in care facilities, pregnancy resource center funding, mental health transportation, Access coverage for mild obstructive sleep apnea, school spending requirements, mobile home park training, local government investment pools, task order contract posting, tourism improvement areas, child welfare and kinship placement, neglect standards, family court evidence, prostate cancer cost sharing, assisted living hearings, manufactured home installer licensing, supervised parenting time, vulnerable adult trespass penalties, uranium contamination monitoring, a gas and petroleum refinery study committee, and state park fee exemptions for veterans.
Several bills were described as unanimous or on consent, while others drew objections or were noted as controversial. Members raised privacy concerns about electronic monitoring in nursing homes, due process and rural capacity concerns about restricting police transport for mental health patients, opposition to pregnancy resource center appropriations, concerns about environmental review for power plant replacement, and questions about the Access sleep apnea mandate as potentially favoring vendors. Some bills were noted as having committee amendments, including changes to appropriations, eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, and definitions.
No floor votes were taken in the transcript itself; instead, the chair repeatedly noted whether bills were unanimous, on consent, or had split votes in committee. The caucus also heard brief announcements about an upcoming breakfast with the CAP director, a Latino Caucus meeting, and an Affordability Award presented to Representative Volk, after which the caucus adjourned.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 19, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are typically things that are drug utilization review, where you're looking at whether there is
- Those are typically things that<00:08:57.440>
are <00:08:57.839>drug <00:08:58.240>utilization - <00:08:58.880>
review <00:08:59.360>where that are drug utilization review where that - are drug utilization review where you're<00:08:59.760>
looking <00:08:59.920>at <00:09:
Bills:
SF0121
Keywords:
pharmacy, collaborative care, healthcare, prescriptions, patient safety, Wyoming Pharmacy Act, 916, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But we have uses that they also look at that we haven't utilized.
- Instead of reaching this cap, actually utilizing it like we do for the State Highway Fund, funneling
- And if our cap is $24.6 billion, our floor utility... $11.2 billion.
- I could think of a lot of things that we could utilize some of this money for.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- putting together a thoughtful bill to make sure that we protect more people and ensure that they get to utilize
- day, Californians are struggling with their ability to pay rent, to be able to pay for essential utilities
- day, Californians are struggling with their ability to pay rent, to be able to pay for essential utilities
- digital equity activities within the state, which currently are split between the California Public Utilities
Summary:
The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met to adopt its 2025-2026 rules and hear three bills. The committee first adopted the rules on a roll call vote, then heard AB 1303 by Assemblymember Valencia, which would clarify that a Social Security number is not required to apply for California Lifeline and would restrict sharing subscriber information with immigration enforcement absent a court warrant or subpoena. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable Californians, including undocumented residents, domestic violence survivors, unhoused people, and identity theft victims, access essential communications services; there was no opposition. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to Judiciary.
The committee next heard AB 1271 by Assemblymember Bonta, which would require broadband providers to report pricing and speed-performance data to the Department of Consumer Affairs and make the information publicly available, with privacy protections and a standardized reporting template. Supporters argued the bill would improve transparency and help consumers, local governments, and the state understand what broadband service Californians are actually receiving; testimony highlighted disparities in speed and pricing in low-income communities. The bill was amended in committee and passed on a due pass as amended motion to the Committee on Business and Professions.
Finally, the committee heard AB 693 by the chair, Assemblymember Boerner, which would consolidate broadband and digital equity functions into a new Department of Broadband and Digital Equity and create an 11-member commission with decision-making authority. Supporters said the current split between agencies creates delays and coordination problems, while members discussed governance, geographic representation, and whether the proposal would require follow-up constitutional or statutory changes. The bill passed 9-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations. Afterward, the committee added AB 1303 and AB 1271 as later add-ons, both of which were also reported out, and the meeting adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's light enough for them to actually handle, to carry, to utilize.
- It's much easier to maneuver and much easier to utilize whether it is hunting or self-defense in either
- Um, it's light enough for them to actually handle, to carry, to utilize.
- It's much easier to maneuver and much easier to utilize whether it is hunting or self-defense in either
Keywords:
elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1596, which would remove short-barreled rifles from the list of prohibited weapons in the Texas Penal Code. The author, Sen. Hagenbuch, said the bill would align state law with federal realities and argued that the current prohibition is arbitrary and unnecessary. Supporters, including representatives from Gun Owners of America and Texas Gun Rights, said the bill would reduce confusion, protect lawful gun owners, and preserve the ability to use shorter firearms for self-defense, hunting, and for smaller shooters. One supporter also described a recent case in which an AR pistol was mistaken for a short-barreled rifle and led to a state charge that was later dismissed.
Public testimony was split. Supporters said stabilizing braces and shorter firearms can improve accuracy, safety, and accessibility for women, children, and smaller-statured shooters. Opponents, including Texas Gun Sense and two Santa Fe shooting survivors, argued that short-barreled firearms are more concealable and dangerous, and pointed to the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting as evidence of the risks of easier access. They urged the committee to keep the existing restrictions in place to protect public safety.
After public testimony closed, the committee took up pending business. Senate Bill 1505, relating to the Compassionate Use Program, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-0 vote. Senate Bill 17, relating to the acquisition of real property by certain aliens or foreign entities, was first amended by adopting a committee substitute and then reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed until after the Senate’s adjournment or final recess.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government. (6-23-26)
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- statewide energy management, utility statewide energy management, utility procurement,<01:04:22.560
- >
utility <01:04:23.000>efficiency, <01:04:23.680>and procurement, utility efficiency - , and procurement, utility efficiency, and sustainability<01:04:24.680>
efficiencies <01:04:25.880 - We<01:13:08.320>
utilize <01:13:09.280>e-communication <01:13:10.160>system <01:13 - :10.560>
to We utilize e-communication system to We utilize e-communication system to manage<01
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation May 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- To the extent that technologies in the workplace utilize AI, and that has an impact on worker safety—in
- rate of 100%. ...and assumes CalHR's projected utilization rate of 100%.
- The actual utilization rate is 15% currently.
- They will have increased utilization and access to more clinicians.
- That state funding was utilized, and we still had our federal allocation.
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision proposals for labor, public safety/judiciary, and transportation, and no votes were taken. In Part A on labor, the Employment Development Department reviewed proposals for EDD Next document management system funding, updated UI loan interest costs, disability insurance and paid family leave benefit and administration adjustments, WIOA funding changes, UI administrative and benefit changes, school employee benefit adjustments, an EMT training reappropriation, and a technical correction tied to EDD Next. PERB discussed funding tied to AB 28 and AB 1, including litigation-related workload and new jurisdiction over legislative employees. DIR presented proposals for legal unit reclassifications, two major IT modernization projects, a new Cal/OSHA emerging technologies unit, a COIA reappropriation, and trailer bill language on electronic assessment payments and the DWC director salary cap. CalHR proposed additional funding for a consolidated employee assistance program contract, and CalPERS and CalSTRS presented budget adjustments tied to investment costs and state contribution changes.
Members focused heavily on UI debt and interest payments, asking the administration for a plan to reduce the outstanding loan and relieve employers. Finance said no specific repayment plan was included in the May Revision, while LAO said the state’s UI tax structure is structurally insufficient and that any debt payoff should be paired with tax-system reform. Senators also questioned EDD Next costs and timelines, PERB’s caseload and staffing needs, and DIR’s emerging technologies unit, with LAO noting that the unit would appear focused on physical workplace safety rather than broader AI labor issues. CalHR said the new EAP contract would consolidate services, improve access to clinicians, and lower costs relative to the current model. CalPERS defended higher external management fees as part of a strategy to pursue higher net returns, while some members pressed for more transparency about private investments; CalSTRS said it was not prepared to address investment-strategy questions at this hearing.
Public comment in Part A was dominated by advocates urging support for an immigration enforcement emergency relief fund, along with comments supporting the Jails to Jobs proposal, the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund, and additional PERB funding. The chair noted that many of the immigration-related requests might fall under other committees and said staff would follow up. In Part B, Finance and LAO outlined judicial branch and DOJ May Revision items, including funding for court interpreter services, appellate court security, lactation room implementation delays, courthouse construction reappropriations, and DOJ budget increases. LAO recommended approving the language-access proposal with a report on reducing interpreter cost growth and reducing the General Fund backfill for state court facilities by $10 million on an ongoing basis.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So, utilities and assistance, uh, the dollars can go for those two things.
- Um, paying the rent, which means you have to be a renter, and, um, paying for rent and utilities. >>
- So, utilities and assistance, uh, the dollars can go for those two things.
- So, utilities and assistance, uh, the dollars can go for those two things.
- So, utilities and assistance, uh, the dollars can go for those two things.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It was like, you know, you even talked about access and utilization.
- from utilization? Mr. room. Uh, Mr. from utilization? Mr. room. Uh, Mr.
- <01:14:38.480>
That's about access and utilization. That's about access and utilization. - <01:43:05.520>
So, <01:43:06.239>um none of it was being utilized. - So, um none of it was being utilized.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Transcript Highlights:
- Andrea Abregel with the California Municipal Utilities Association in support. Good afternoon.
- Chair and members, Debbie Michael, on behalf of East Bay Municipal Utility District, in support; also
- The motion is do pass as amended to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. Connolly: Aye.
- The motion is do pass as amended to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee.
- The motion is do pass through the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. Connolly: Aye.
Summary:
The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard several bills, with SB 811 pulled by the author and deferred to a later hearing. The committee first took up SB 501 by Senator Allen, which would expand California’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries such as those used in e-bikes, scooters, lawn equipment, and portable power systems. Supporters from local governments, stewardship organizations, and recycling groups said the bill would reduce fire risks, worker hazards, and disposal costs; opposition was limited, with some industry groups seeking clarification or expressing neutrality after amendments. The bill was moved out of committee on a do-pass vote, with one no vote recorded from Assemblymember Ellis and later additional ayes added after quorum was established.
The committee then heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, which would create a statewide low-income drinking water rate assistance program administered by the State Water Resources Control Board, contingent on funding. The author and supporters argued that many Californians face water debt and that public water systems lack a statewide affordability program because of Proposition 218 constraints. Water agencies, environmental justice groups, and local governments testified in strong support, and there was no opposition. The bill passed the committee on a do-pass vote, again with one no vote from Assemblymember Ellis and later additional ayes after quorum.
SB 1259 by Senator Blakespear, as amended, would require petroleum refineries to provide advance closure, cleanup, and cost information to the state to improve planning for refinery transitions and site remediation. Supporters, including the City of Benicia and environmental groups, said communities need transparency and early planning to avoid leaving local governments and workers with cleanup and redevelopment uncertainty. Opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association, the State Building and Construction Trades Council, and business groups, argued the bill was burdensome, duplicative of existing regulation, and could send the wrong signal to remaining refineries. After extensive discussion, the committee approved SB 1259 on a do-pass-as-amended vote to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. The consent calendar, including SB 1253 and SJR 13, also passed.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Transportation Subcommittee Mar 30th, 2026 at 10:00 am
A&B Transportation Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- That was the terminal building, the hangar, the utilities, and the taxiway roadway access.
- hangars, taxiways, in the new development areas, our terminal buildings, our fuel systems, or our utilities
- development perspective, it may have been a little bit prohibitive when it comes to bringing water and utilities
- And so, at the end of the day, those utilities are a big piece and something a lot of our airports are
- We have 6 new Six new utility projects are bringing water and wastewater to areas of airports that previously
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/26/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Transcript Highlights:
- analytics: we're looking at things like how to get physicians answers quicker and more efficiently, utilizing
- What if we could utilize algorithms based on instruments that we're already using to test your specimens
- bunch of blood and, with those biometrics in that secure electronic health record, we're able to utilize
- So the cytology platform that we utilize is actually called Whole Logic, and it's the only platform that
- at things like pharmacogenetics, those are definitely areas that we have been exploring already utilizing
Bills:
SB1786
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, content verification, provenance data, transparency, digital content, 1182, all
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation from Sonora Quest Laboratories on how the company is using artificial intelligence and innovation in clinical lab work. Testimony emphasized that AI is already being used in digital pathology, cytology, genetics, genomics, predictive analytics, and quality control, with a strong focus on human oversight, validation, and closed, secure systems that keep patient data in-house. Speakers said AI can improve accuracy, speed diagnosis, reduce repeat testing, support precision medicine and pharmacogenomics, and potentially help with rare disease management and drug selection, while also noting the need for governance and safeguards.
Members asked questions about accuracy, safeguards, data security, whether AI could reduce repeat specimen collection, expand to other hospital labs, and how AI might affect treatment decisions such as step therapy and pharmacogenomics. The presenters said AI outputs are reviewed by specialists, that the systems are validated and monitored, and that the organization uses a closed ecosystem with no external data sharing. They also discussed future possibilities such as digital twins, earlier cancer detection, and more tailored medication choices, while acknowledging that AI is still developing and must be used carefully.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 1786, as amended, which requires covered providers using generative AI to add provenance data to AI-created or significantly modified video, image, or audio content, using methods like watermarking or metadata, with exceptions for minor edits and certain interactive or non-user-generated content. The amendment clarified that identifiable individual information generally cannot be included unless the user opts in, protected trade secrets, and set an effective date of February 1, 2027. After discussion about consumer transparency, scope, and possible legal issues, the committee adopted the amendment and voted 4-2 with one absent to give SB 1786 as amended a do pass recommendation.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- generation of workers, anchor the next generation of companies, and make sure that the first time a utility
- But I think that is the next question: can we utilize? Are not yet.
- But I think that is the next question: can we utilize a percentage of this future tax revenue to reinvest
- , about the ramifications of certain industries and their impact on our air, on our water, and on utility
- focus on pulse plasma fusion—the Z machine that Sandia developed, which folks like Pacific Fusion utilize
Keywords:
corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Aug 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Can we utilize these beautiful homes that were built for our veterans?
- So this is something. that our residents utilize daily.
- We've improved and turned it into a coffee bar, so the table that you see there is now being utilized
- Doors are utilized by housekeeping, so housekeeping keeps certain supplies in there that are needed for
- You’re right, we have that National Nuclear Museum outside, and the public can utilize it.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- These improvements are essential for our quality of life and are utilized considerably by residents to
- We've made substantial investments in our utility systems, modernizing and upgrading infrastructure needs
- Utility upgrades are now in place for decades to come, and we're proud of the achievement, but these
- On top of that, without bonding support, utility rates are projected to increase by at least $100 per
- The proposed interchange will utilize an existing bridge.
Bills:
HF568, HF433, HF1689, HF3135, HF3137, HF3145, HF2887, HF2819, HF2802, HF2664, HF2267, HF799, HF800, HF3049, HF296, HF580, HF1438, HF1237
Keywords:
special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations Apr 15th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- allowed to exceed that except for increases in caseload, additional coverage consistent with 1959 utilization
- Except for increases in caseload, additional coverage consistent with 1959 utilization rates and reduction
- We budget based on not the number of people eligible for it, but on the projected utilization.
- Section 31, the department will review the amount, duration, coverage, utilization rates, medical necessity
- So there are other uses that the other property could be utilized for.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1012, the Department of Health and Human Services budget. Senator Dever walked through the amended budget, highlighting a roughly $5.85 billion all-funds total, major one-time items for IT, child care, housing, behavioral health, juvenile justice, rural EMS, and supportive housing, along with funding for Medicaid expansion, CCBHCs, opioid settlement uses, and several studies and reporting requirements. Members discussed the provider inflation increase, with Senator Mathern urging a 2%/2% rate instead of 2%/1.5%, but the committee adopted the subcommittee amendment and then passed the amended bill 15-0 with a do-pass recommendation. Senator Dever was named as carrier.
The committee then considered House Bill 1540, a school choice/education savings account-style bill. Senator Shibley explained the subcommittee amendments, including clarifying the Bank of North Dakota as administrator, adding a means test at 400% of the federal poverty guideline, and adjusting the fiscal note to about $21.7 million for the second year. In debate, members raised concerns about the bank being assigned duties outside its normal role, the lack of DPI involvement, and whether the means test should be tiered rather than a hard cutoff. The committee rejected a do-not-pass motion 5-10-1, then approved a do-pass motion on the amended bill 9-6-1, with Senator Wobama noted as the likely carrier.
The meeting ended with the chair announcing the committee would adjourn and reconvene the next morning.